Broward Sheriff's Office (BSO)

In early 2020, while driving home, I came across a car that failed to move after the traffic light turned green. Despite the honking of other drivers and myself, the vehicle remained stationary. Recognizing a potential emergency, I acted quickly. Inside the car, I found the driver slumped over, unresponsive and without a pulse. Without hesitation, I pulled him from the vehicle and performed CPR until his vital signs returned. Thanks to the prompt arrival of emergency medical services, the man was transported to a local hospital and eventually made a full recovery. As sheriff, I will continue to lead with this mindset. At BSO, service is not just a job but a way of life—a commitment to always do what is right. Our service, actions and contributions to the community are the true measures of our success. Together, we can create a community where everyone feels safe, valued and supported. To read this month’s full monthly message, visit sheriff.org 

In a multi-agency collaboration, the Broward Sheriff’s Office Strategic Investigations Division (SID) South Florida Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, the Plantation Police Department, Broward State Attorney’s Office, Nancy J, Cotterman Center (NJCC) Human Trafficking Unit and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement successfully arrested two individuals. The arrests stemmed from a two-day operation to fight human trafficking. Operation Suite 16, part of the nationwide Coast to Coast initiative, focused on identifying and assisting victims while bringing traffickers to justice. During the operation, 14 adult victims were identified and offered essential services, from medical care to employment assistance. Human trafficking is a grave issue that demands our collective attention. If you suspect trafficking in your community, please contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 888-373-7888, text “HELP” or “INFO” to 233733, or call the BSO non-emergency number at 954-764-4357 (HELP). Together, we can make our communities safer. For more information on the operation and the individuals arrested, visit https://lnkd.in/eFyVCMcw

Sheriff Dr. Gregory Tony held a news conference to provide an update on the non-fatal deputy-involved shooting that occurred on Tuesday, August 27, in Pompano Beach shortly after 9:30 p.m. Broward County Regional Communications received a call reporting shots fired near the 700 block of Northwest Fifth Avenue in Pompano Beach. According to investigators, when deputies arrived at the scene, they encountered a man armed with a semi-automatic rifle. When the deputies began their approach, the suspect shot at the deputies, forcing two deputies to discharge their weapons and striking him. Deputies immediately began providing medical attention to the suspect. Pompano Beach Fire Rescue responded to the scene and transported the suspect to a local hospital for treatment. No other injuries were reported. The suspect was identified as 51-year-old Scott Simonelli. He now faces one count of attempted homicide of a law enforcement officer and two counts of aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer. For more information, visit https://lnkd.in/e78wCZiA

Many thanks to the Broward Sheriff's Office (BSO) for hosting my U. S. Customs and Border Protection colleagues yesterday at its Real Time Crime Center! We look forward to future efforts to streamline information sharing and collaboration with State and Local jurisdictions to enhance border security and public safety.

BSO’s Regional Traffic Unit has earned a well-deserved second place in the 2023 Florida Law Enforcement Traffic Safety Challenge (FLETSC). This outstanding achievement is a testament to BSO’s commitment to traffic-related safety. Thank you to all who contributed to this success. Keep up the great work! #TeamBSO #BSOproud

Congratulations to Major Gregory Lees, who was sworn in as the third vice president of the Florida Chapter of the FBI National Academy Associates (FBINAA) on August 7th at the FBINAA Conference in Miami Beach. This appointment reflects Major Lees’ exceptional leadership and dedication to law enforcement. As a proud graduate of the 259th Session of the FBI’s National Academy program, he joins an elite group of over 55,000 graduates worldwide, representing more than 10,200 law enforcement agencies across 174 countries. The Florida Chapter, the largest in the world with over 1,200 members, is fortunate to have him in this crucial leadership role. Congratulations, Major Lees, on this well-deserved honor! #TeamBSO #BSOproud

In public safety, there is no room for error. As the leader of an organization responsible for safeguarding Broward County, it is my responsibility to ensure we hold ourselves to the highest standards of accountability. We continually assess our efforts to determine their effectiveness, making enhancements as needed to uphold the promise of accountability I made to you on my first day as sheriff. The establishment of BSO's Office of Inspector General (OIG)/Bureau of Compliance and Accountability is a significant step toward ensuring transparency in all our operations. The OIG comprises the Internal Affairs and Public Corruption Division, Policy and Accountability Division, Internal Audit Division and CJIS Compliance Division. These divisions within the OIG oversee all BSO departments and are committed to identifying and resolving issues while promoting a more cohesive and operationally sound BSO. #TeamBSO #BSOproud #Transparency #Accountability #OneTeamOneFight

PUBLIC SAFETY IS OUR PRIORITY! Our “While You Were Sleeping initiative” is a proactive program where our deputies identify security concerns and educate the community. “Protecting our neighborhoods is a shared responsibility. Secure your home and vehicle, and look out for your neighbors. Together, we can build a safer, stronger community,” said Sheriff Dr. Gregory Tony. Here are a few tips to help deter crime in your neighborhood:  - Do not leave valuables or keys inside your vehicle.    - Always lock the windows and doors of your home and vehicle.   - Remember to close your garage door.   - Install motion-activated lights around your property.   - Invest in alarm and surveillance systems.   - Follow the 2 ft/6 ft rule - Trim shrubbery in front of windows higher than 2 feet and no tree branches below 6 ft.   - Build a strong community network with your neighbors to help watch each other’s property while you’re away.  Report suspicious activity immediately to BSO’s non-emergency number at 954-764-HELP (4357).   #TeamBSO #BSOproud #LawEnforcement #ProtectandServe #OneTeamOneFight

After receiving two separate FBI tips, detectives with the Broward Sheriff's Office Threat Management Unit (TMU) arrested two students for making two separate threats against Broward County schools during the first week of school. The arrests/investigations come less than two weeks after Sheriff Dr. Gregory Tony reminded parents and students at a news conference that threats against schools are taken seriously and will be thoroughly investigated. "None of this stuff is a joking or laughing matter," Sheriff Dr. Tony said. "If you threaten…on social media or anywhere else, we are going to track you down and arrest you." For more information on the arrests, visit https://lnkd.in/eSdd95_Z